SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. – A Bushnell woman, Amy Michelle Parrish, was found guilty on three counts of animal cruelty and sentenced to 180 days in jail. The verdict followed compelling evidence and witness testimony presented in court, revealing Parrish’s neglect of three dogs.
“The defendant in this case had many opportunities and plenty of time to remedy the situation for these animals,” said Bill Gladson, Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney. “At the end of the day, she also had the opportunity to turn these animals over if she could not provide adequate care.”
The case originated from a welfare check by Sumter County Animal Control (ACO) in April, following an earlier warning about the dogs’ malnourished state.
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However, when ACO Gravatt went to do another follow-up check on the animals, she observed the three dogs in worse condition than when the initial check was conducted in September.
At that time, ACO Gravatt called the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office for assistance. Officials seized all three animals, which were Pitbulls: 7-year-old Clyde, 9-year-old Cookie, and 11-year-old Bash.
According to prosecutors, the animals were so desperate for food that they were observed eating paper lying on the ground. It was apparent that both Clyde and Cookie were not provided enough food to eat, as both animals were thin and had their ribs protruding.
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Bash was observed to be much thinner than the other two and extremely underweight, with his ribs and individual backbones bulging out. Additionally, Bash had wounds near his tailbone from an unknown source.
Unfortunately, Bash had to be humanely euthanized due to his critical condition.
Cookie has since been adopted to a loving home, and Sumter County Animal Services officials are still looking for Clyde’s forever home.
If you would like to adopt Clyde, please visit their website at https://www.sumtercountyfl.gov/1270/Adopt-Today or call (352)689-4400.
The successful prosecution was a collaborative effort involving the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Services, veterinarians, and Assistant State Attorneys.
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